07/2023
Mental Health Matters
Mental Health Awareness
Written by Nicole Spivey
Mental health. How often have we heard those two words? Probably more often than we like to think, however it is often a topic that is skated over without real discussion or recognition. This needs to end. Unfortunately, too many people are either too uncomfortable to talk about their own mental health condition(s), or they would rather not discuss what they know or fear may be going on with a loved one. There seems to be this unspoken “rule” that we just don’t talk about it. Or that if we don’t, it will just go away. This is simply not true. There are so many different mental health conditions, many of which go undiagnosed. There are also many different treatment options, ranging from counseling to medication (some of which may be done simultaneously). Mental illness does not discriminate. It doesn’t care about age, sex, race, religion, or social status.
According to Mental Health America, nearly 1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year. MHA also reports that 46% of Americans will meet the criteria for a diagnosable mental health condition sometime in their life, and half of those people will develop conditions by the age of 14. The unfortunate reality is that many people either don’t seek help or are unable to obtain the help they need. For some, they are either uninsured or underinsured and simply cannot afford the often-high cost of treatment; and for others, they may be ashamed or embarrassed of what they are experiencing. Either way, it’s important for everyone who may be struggling to know that there is support out there. Below are a few resources from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline*: Call or text 988 to speak with a qualified crisis counselor (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also visit 988lifeline.org
Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) if you are experiencing emotional distress.
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1 or text 838255 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). This resource is available for veterans and their loved ones.
Your Primary care Provider (PCP)
Federal Resources
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Hotline 1800-662-HELP (4357)
Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
The National Library of Medicine (NLM) MedLine Plus
National Agencies and Advocacy and Professional Organizations Anxiety and Depression Association of America
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Mental Health America
National Alliance on Mental Illness
*If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, plans, or ideations, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
If you’re the friend or loved one of someone struggling with mental illness, some of the above resources can be helpful to you as well. If you’re the support system for someone who is struggling, make sure they know that they are important and loved. That they are not alone. Give support. Let them know that there is nothing to be ashamed of.
It’s important to note here that there are cases where people are unaware that someone is struggling with mental illness until something tragic happens. In this case, please seek counseling for yourself so you can work through your emotions.
Although there are the traditional ways to improve mental health- counseling, psychiatry, medication, etc., there are also some other ways to improve mental health:
Meditation
Yoga
Take care of your physical health Physical activity.
Get enough sleep.
Eat healthy.
Relaxation and breathing exercises.
These techniques not only help create a better mood and mindset, but they also decrease the likelihood of stress, depression, and/or anxiety. Like many things, these don’t work over night- they take time, but they do help. You can visit the National Library of Medicine website here for more information.
Something to take into account when considering mental illness and mental health are triggers, or stressors. Many mental health conditions have triggers, and being able to pinpoint those triggers can be helpful in determining what sets off an episode or reaction. Everyone’s triggers will differ slightly, so each person’s reactions to those triggers may be different (some reactions are emotional, and some are physical). So too may be how each person copes. According to The National Alliance on Mental Illness, coping strategies should seek to eliminate, avoid, and reduce the impact of triggers and emotional reactions. This being said, if you are able to identify your triggers (some people have a difficult time determining triggers), you can develop your own individualized coping strategy to help you through episodes or reactions set off by a trigger or stressor. You can visit the NAMI website here for some coping strategies and ideas on how to utilize them.
Taking care of your mental health is a wonderful way to take care of YOU. Use some PTO and take a day or two off of work. Go to the beach. Go on a hike. Take a stroll or a bike ride through the park. Visit a neighboring town. Have a meal at your favorite restaurant. Take your boat out on the lake and go fishing. Have a fun, light-hearted conversation with your partner. Do the things you ordinarily wouldn’t have the chance to do because the stresses of life often get in the way. Taking care of your mental health is probably one of the most selfless things you can do… for yourself, for your family, for your friends. And seeking help is never something to feel ashamed of.
Mental health, like many other conditions, disorders, or diseases, has its own awareness month. Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized by the United States in the month of May and is represented by a green ribbon. During this time, the nation comes together to raise awareness and provide support for those who need it. It is also a way to celebrate those who are recovering from mental illness. This may be the time when people who are struggling don’t feel alone. When they feel a sense of community and belonging. This is a time to become more educated on mental health conditions. And people who provide support may be provided with more education in regard to how to better support their loved ones in their times of need. Although it’s wonderful that there is a Mental Health Awareness Month, it is absolutely imperative to take care of your mental health and educate yourself on mental health. And it’s equally as important to talk about it- not just in May, but the other 11 months as well. Mental illness does not discriminate. It also does not care what month it is. Do not be ashamed. Talk about it.
If you or someone you know is dealing with any type of mental health condition, know that you are never alone. We hear you, we see you, and we are here for you.
Sources:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
https://www.mhanational.org/mentalhealthfacts
https://medlineplus.gov/howtoimprovementalhealth.html
https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/January-2022/Understanding-Mental-Illness-Triggers